Millwall defender Jake Cooper has been a bargain for the club.
Millwall have confirmed that defender Jake Cooper has signed a new long-term contract with the club (length undisclosed), a deal which could earn them millions down the line considering his enormous potential
The 23-year-old joined the Lions from Reading in the summer of 2017 after initially joining the club on loan, and The Sun claim they shelled out a paltry £400,000 for his services.
After an impressive campaign last season, Cooper was linked with a move to Rangers during the summer with the Standard claiming the Gers saw a £3 million bid turned down for him.
Cooper has arguably been even better this term, posting an incredible three goals and six assists in 22 Championship starts which for a defender is quite remarkable.
Millwall had cause for concern with Cooper’s previous contract expiring in the summer of 2020, suggesting they would have faced a difficult decision next summer, but now they have cause for celebration.
Cooper is only likely to get better, with manager Neil Harris predicting him to reach the very top, telling South London Press and Mercury on Friday: “There is a lot more to come because Jake has got all the raw attributes to be a top, top centre-half. At 23 there is so much development in footballing terms and knowledge to be gained. It’s quite scary to think how good he can be.”
With Middlesbrough spending a reported £7 million (BBC) on a 28-year-old Aden Flint from Bristol City last summer, Cooper’s value could easily surpass that due to his age and rapid progress.
Aside from his enormous goal threat from set-pieces, Cooper averages 6.2 aerial winners and six effective clearances per game (Whoscored) – more than any other Millwall player.
Tying Cooper down to a new long-term deal will place Millwall in a much stronger position next summer when the inevitable interest grows, and bigger clubs come calling for their most prized asset.
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